NFL playoff picture 2025: Updated AFC, NFC bracket

Week 18 of the 2025 NFL regular season has arrived. For 18 teams, this will be their last game for eight months. The other 14 teams will advance to the postseason, where they will play for a shot to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

Heading into the Sunday slate, 12 of the 14 playoff spots had been claimed. Two remain: the winner of the NFC South and the winner of the AFC North. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, but still needed help. If the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Carolina would go to the postseason. If New Orleans prevailed, Tampa Bay would return to the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

That game has gone final. The Falcons picked up a 19-17 victory, so the Panthers will play postseason football for the first time since 2017.

In the Sunday Night Football contest, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens to clinch the AFC North and the No. 4 seed. The Ravens are eliminated from playoff contention.

As far as seeding, the Seattle Seahawks locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC with their win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. The Denver Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC on Sunday with their victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The No. 1 seeds will earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

Over in the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured the division crown with their win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Houston Texans will remain in a Wild Card spot.

NFC playoff bracket

1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-6)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
4. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
5. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
6. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)

AFC playoff bracket

1. Denver Broncos (14-3)
2. New England Patriots (14-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
5. Houston Texans (12-5)
6. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)